Introduction
Move beyond soju and Cass! South Korea’s craft beer scene has exploded with breweries celebrating local ingredients and regional identity. From volcanic island ales to mountain-inspired stouts, each region offers unique pours that tell stories of Korea’s terroir. Here’s your guide to sipping like a local.
1. Seoul: Urban Innovation
Brewery: The Booth (Gangnam, Mapo)
- Flagship Beer: Gyeongbokgung Pale Ale
- Profile: Citrus-forward American Pale Ale with Korean citron (yuja) peel. Light-bodied (5% ABV), with a piney finish.
- Why Regional? Brewed near Gyeongbokgung Palace, it fuses classic American craft with Korean citrus.
Must-Try: Mapo IPA – Hoppy, bold, and bitter (6.5% ABV), inspired by Mapo’s gritty arts district.
2. Jeju Island: Volcanic Terroir
Brewery: Jeju Beer
- Flagship Beer: Tangerine Ale
- Profile: Wheat ale brewed with Hallabong tangerines (uniquely sweet/tart Jeju citrus). Hazy gold, 4.5% ABV.
- Why Regional?: Uses mineral-rich volcanic water and local tangerines from Hallasan’s foothills.
Pairing: Jeju black pork BBQ or fresh seafood.
3. Busan: Coastal Refreshment
Brewery: Gorilla Brewing (Haeundae Beach)
- Flagship Beer: Haeundae Blonde
- Profile: Crisp lager with sea buckthorn berries, hinting at tropical citrus and brine (4.8% ABV).
- Why Regional?: Captures Busan’s beach vibe; sea buckthorn forages from coastal cliffs.
Bonus: Gwangan Bridge IPA – Grapefruit notes mirroring sunset views.
4. Gangwon Province: Mountain Brews
Brewery: Chuncheon Brewery (Near Nami Island)
- Flagship Beer: Buckwheat Stout
- Profile: Creamy stout with roasted buckwheat from Gangwon farms. Notes of coffee, chocolate, and earth (6% ABV).
- Why Regional?: Buckwheat (메밀) is a Gangwon staple used in noodles and now beer!
Seasonal: Dakgalbi Ale – Amber ale with gochujang kick, pairing with Chuncheon’s spicy stir-fried chicken.
5. Gyeongsang: Heritage Grains
Brewery: Magpie Brewing (Gyeongju)
- Flagship Beer: Silla Golden Ale
- Profile: Light ale using heukimja (Korean black rice) from Gyeongju fields. Floral aroma, honey-like finish (5.2% ABV).
- Why Regional?: Gyeongju was Silla Kingdom’s capital; heukimja adds deep purple hue and antioxidants.
Where to Sip
- Taprooms: Most breweries have flagship pubs (e.g., The Booth in Gangnam, Gorilla in Haeundae).
- Festivals: Busan Craft Beer Fest (May), Jeju Beer Festival (October).
- Stores: Visit Nemo Mart (Seoul) or Blue Star Super (Busan) for regional cans.
Final Cheers
Korea’s craft beer revolution turns geography into flavor—Jeju’s sun, Busan’s sea, Gangwon’s peaks. Skip the mass-market bottles and taste Korea, one region at a time. 🍻